DEPARTMENT: Development Services
SUBJECT:
Government Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 19, 2017, a short term MOU was entered into by and between the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to establish the coordination, administration, implementation, funding, and performance of obligations in accordance with the Incidental Take Permit (ITP). The ITP required the completion of Initial Conservation Actions for the Covered Karst Invertebrates prior to allowing enrollment of projects located over karst zones.
The intent of the MOU was to contribute to the recovery of the seven (7) Covered Karst Invertebrates through the establishment and management of six (6) Karst Fauna Areas (KFAs) established within GCSNA and satisfying the conditions of the ITP. The MOU was necessary until such time as the parties could develop a long term agreement to carry out the KFA management goals. This action will not contribute towards the mitigation obligation of the ITP, which requires the establishment of a minimum of one thousand (1,000) acres of new recovery-quality karst habitat.
The original MOU will end on September 30, 2017, and this amendment proposes to extend the term of the MOU until December 31, 2017. It is the goal of the parties to enter into a long term agreement by December 31, 2017, that will set out the administration and management of Conservation Actions for GCSNA in accordance with the SEP-HCP ITP continuing through the life of the plan, ending on September 30, 2032.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of amending the MOU to reflect an ending date of December 31, 2017.